Hypericum tetrapterum is a rhizomatous, glabrous perennial plant growing up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in height.[1][2]:340 The stems are square in cross section, with conspicuous wings at the corners. The leaves are in opposite pairs, simple and entire, and have many translucent glandular dots. The thinly papery leaves are up to 40 mm (2 in) long and 24 mm (0.9 in) across and paler underneath.[1] The flowers are produced in flowerheads of 10–30 flowers (up to 70), each flower 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) in diameter with 5 pale yellow petals and 5 sepals.[1] There may be black glands on the petals and sepals, as well as on the leaves.[2]